Emirates unveils Expo 2020 pavilion dedicated to future of air travel

Emirates has revealed plans for its pavilion for next year’s Expo 2020 in Dubai. The airline will be presenting visions for the future of commerical aviation at the event, which will cover everything from windowless fuselages to ‘smart’ seats.

Work has begun on the construction of the Emirates Expo 2020 pavilion, which has been designed to “reflect the dynamic lines of aircraft wings ready to take flight”. It will have 26 slanted fins that cover the entirety of the building and will be covered with more than 800 metres of LED lights to “create multi-sensory effects and movement across the structure” on a nightly basis.

The 3,300 sqm three-storey structure will be located near the UAE Pavilion and within walking distance of the Al Wasl Pavilion at the epicentre of the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Big enough to host 56,000 visitors a month, the solar-powered building will even have a skygarden.

What will commercial aviation look like in the future?

The Emirates pavilion will showcase the science of flight, advancements in engine technologies, new aerospace materials that increase performance and reduce fuel consumption, and fuselage designs that are focused on elevating passenger comfort and well-being.

Electric engines are just one innovation that will be addressed for next-generation aircraft, as well as the use of new metallic and composite materials that offer a better flying performance.

Emirates says that “whether its advancements in technology, materials or spacial design, the future of aircraft cabin design will take comfort and passenger well-being to another level and redefine how we experience flying”. The pavilion will explore dynamic seating layouts and ergonomics, immersive onboard experiences and intelligent interfaces, windowless fuselages and “smart seats“. Within the airport, biometric end-to-end passenger processing systems, wearable technologies, brain scanning and voice biometrics will all define a the airport passenger experience of tomorrow.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “The aim for our pavilion is very much in line with that of Expo 2020 Dubai, to stimulate connections, create experiences and foster creativity and innovation, inspiring a commitment for a better future.

“The forward-thinking experiences will highlight the best that is yet to come in aviation and will be a platform to showcase how important mobility is for the world today and in the future.“Emirates and the wider transportation ecosystem here in the UAE will play a key role in providing connectivity for a successful Expo 2020, and the economic impact of the transport, hospitality and tourism sector will contribute AED 16.4 billion to the UAE economy, underscoring the vital role these industries play in generating economic value by bringing people together and breaking down barriers.”Reem Al Hashimy, UAE minister of state for international co-operation and director general of bureau Expo Dubai 2020, said: “We are excited to be bringing the whole world together to experience this incredible mega event. For almost 170 years, World Expos have united people in a spirit of inspiration and excitement for the future, and have amazed them with innovation, culture, art, food and fun.

“Air travel has transformed the ability of people to experience everything that the world has to offer. Expo 2020, and Emirates as our Official Airline Partner, will be bringing all of that together in one place, Dubai, in 2020. And the Emirates Pavilion will tell the incredible story of the role that air travel will continue to play in transforming mobility and shaping our futures.”

Expo 2020 will run from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, and will feature 190 country pavilions, daily live events, parades, music, cultural festivals, talks and workshops. There will also be more than 200 dining experiences.

The first World Expo was held in 1851 in London, and was attended by six million people including famous people such as Charles Darwin, George Elliot and Charles Dickens.

For travel trends delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Globetrender newsletter.